Ophthalmic Medical Assistant (OMA) with Computer (Hybrid)

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant (OMA) with Computer (Hybrid)

The Ophthalmic Medical Assistant assists Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in providing safe and ethical eye care services including preparing patients, assisting with ophthalmic examinations and procedures, performing basic vision testing, maintaining medical records, and completing other delegated clinical and administrative tasks as permitted by law.

This hybrid program combines in-person instruction with virtual instructor-led computer training, providing students with essential technology skills such as creating documents and spreadsheets, using e-mail and Outlook for communication and scheduling, participating in Zoom sessions, and organizing files using cloud based systems.

Clinical Externship

Duration: 200 Hours

Settings: Ophthalmology practices  ·  Optometry offices  ·  Eye clinics / surgical centers  ·  Specialty vision care facilities

Competencies Include: Patient intake & histories  ·  Visual acuity & screening tests  ·  Diagnostic test assistance  ·  Instrument prep & sterilization  ·  EMR charting  ·  Patient education support  ·  Office workflow participation

Supervision: Licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or clinic designee  ·  Hours documented via sign-in/out logs  ·  Midpoint & final evaluations

Program Outcomes

  • Assist in ophthalmic exams and procedures
  • Perform vision screenings and diagnostic support
  • Maintain ophthalmic equipment
  • Document care accurately in EMR systems
  • Support efficient clinical workflow
  • Demonstrate job-ready professionalism

Online classes start immediately after acceptance.

Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates.

300 HrsProgram Cycle
90%Job Placement Support
200 HrsClinical Externship
HybridOnline + In-Person

Admission Requirements & Eligibility

Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for our Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program.

To Enroll, You'll Need:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security card or proof of legal work status
  • Basic computer proficiency
  • Basic reading and communication skills in English

Upon Completion You Will Receive:

  • Certificate of Completion – Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
  • Eligibility to sit for applicable certification exam
  • Resume writing and interview coaching
  • Job placement assistance with local employers
  • Career advancement pathway guidance
  • Dorson VTI certificate of completion

Program Cost:

  • Full Course: $8,000
  • Registration Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
  • Total: $8,075
  • All certification fees billed separately
  • WIOA funding may be available for eligible students
  • Payment plans available — contact admissions

Program Schedule:

  • 300 hours total (hybrid format)
  • Estimated duration: ~15 weeks (4 hrs/day, Mon–Fri)
  • Includes 200-hour clinical externship
  • Settings: ophthalmology practices, optometry offices, eye clinics
  • Online classes start immediately after acceptance
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year
  • Classes held in East Orange, NJ

Course Outcomes

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment as Ophthalmic Medical Assistants in ophthalmology practices, optometry offices, hospital eye departments, and surgical eye centers.

Diagnostic Testing

  • Visual acuity testing (Snellen and near vision)
  • Visual field testing
  • Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)
  • Color vision and contrast sensitivity testing
  • Pupil dilation and documentation

Clinical Procedures

  • Slit-lamp examination assistance
  • Ophthalmic medication administration
  • Surgical prep and instrument care
  • Contact lens instruction and fitting basics
  • Patient history and chief complaint documentation

Ophthalmic Equipment

  • Auto-refraction and keratometry
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) basics
  • Fundus photography assistance
  • Equipment sterilization and maintenance
  • EHR documentation for ophthalmic findings

Practice Administration

  • Ophthalmic practice scheduling and patient flow
  • Insurance verification for eye care services
  • Medical terminology for ophthalmology
  • HIPAA compliance and patient privacy
  • Career readiness and job search preparation
$36K–$52K

Average Annual Salary in NJ

10%

Job Market Growth (2022–2032)

200+

Local Job Openings in NJ

200 Hrs

Clinical Externship

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program? Find answers below.

Ophthalmic Medical Assistants (OMAs) work alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide patient care in eye clinics and surgical centers. They perform diagnostic tests, administer eye drops, assist with procedures, and manage the day-to-day clinical operations of an eye care practice.
The program is 300 hours total, which includes a 200-hour clinical externship in ophthalmology practices, optometry offices, and eye clinics. The full course costs $8,000 plus a $75 non-refundable registration fee, for a total of $8,075. All certification fees are billed separately.
Yes! Dorson VTI offers multiple financial aid options to help make your education affordable:

• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — federally funded assistance that may cover tuition for eligible students.
• Bank Financing — low-interest education financing through our banking partners.
• Corporate / Employer Sponsored — if your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work directly with them.
• Other Funding Sources — we work with various community and government funding organizations.
• Flexible Payment Plans — ask our admissions team about installment options.

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more, or call us at 973-676-6300.
Yes. Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates. We provide resume writing, interview coaching, and direct connections to local healthcare employers.
973-676-6300